WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, May 3, 2012) – The Tonga Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano, has stood by his decision to reshuffle government ministers, which was finalized this week.

Four of them took up their new portfolios on Tuesday.

He’s denied that the appointments are disruptive, and says he has every confidence that the CEOs are in control of the changes.

Speaking to Radio Tonga, he said that reducing the number of CEOs - from 26 to 14 - will help the government cut costs.

However, the opposition MP, Akilisi Pohiva, says he is worried that civil servants working under the CEOs will be less committed because of the changes.

He says the reshuffle reflects the Prime Minister’s lack of confidence in his ministers, and a general incompetence.